In 2026, people all over the country are gearing up for midterm elections this November… but what is a midterm election?
While they may seem complicated, midterm elections are actually quite simple. A midterm election is something that is held halfway through each presidency to decide which side of the two chambers of Congress is going to control the House of Representatives . Later in this article we’ll go over how you are able to complete the voting process for those who are eligible.
- The entire House of Representatives is up for a reelection.
- ⅓ of the senate is also up for reelection.
- Gives voters an opportunity to influence what decisions are made.
- This is considered a federal election.
- Completely free to vote.
- The President is not a part of the election but popular vote will determine what they can influence.
When is this election held?
The midterm election is held every two years of the presidential term (and to be even more exact, they are held in the even years). It takes place on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November every year, keeping the consistency and allowing voters ample time to educate themselves about what will change based on mass vote. This year it will take place on November 3rd. As long as you are at least eighteen within thirty days of the election, you are eligible to vote.
Where can you vote?
With technology improving each and every day there are many easy ways to participate in this vote without having to leave your house. This is called absentee voting (mail-in voting), typically meaning that if you are unable to leave your home to vote you are then able to submit your vote by sending it in the mail. This also allows you to submit your vote earlier than some. In the state of Illinois you are allowed to vote this way without any questioning, you simply request to do so and then submit your vote in whatever way you can.
You can also vote in-person on voting day. Where you actually go to vote can be slightly confusing to figure out because it does change based on the area you’re in. For Illinois a good website to use would be Illinois Online Voter Registration. Here you can look up your area and it will show you exactly where to go. For example, if you live in Heritage Lake, Mackinaw, IL. you will be directed to go to The Lodge on Brandy Dr. to place your vote. This again depends on where you live but with minimal research you can participate in this election without any problems.
Why is it important to vote?
When it comes to midterm elections you may think that they aren’t as important as the general election, but that is not true at all! It is debatable-y more important if you want your opinion to be heard. With this election you and everyone else participating are determining who has power in Congress. Most think that their individual vote won’t matter in the big picture, but the truth is that they need every vote so that the conclusion can reflect exactly what the people want. Congress represents the people of our country, decides things like government spending, passes bills, and is able to overpass presidential decisions with ⅔ votes. With that being said, without votes the accuracy of what the people truly want is smudged. In the article Healthy Democracy it states a direct quote from Barry Burden, a professor of political science, “Nearly everything we experience is touched by government”(Services). Your everyday life is being consistently affected by Congress, so it is very beneficial to take a few moments to place the vote because it will make a difference.
As an underage high school student, I can realize how insignificant this may seem to many, but educating yourself now will be extremely beneficial for everyone’s future. Most seniors will be able to vote for this coming election, so take a few moments and see what you can do to help your community.
